October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and at Language Testing International® (LTI), we take protecting your data seriously. Whether you’re a client using our services or an employee, we prioritize security every step of the way. Here’s how we’re keeping your information safe.
Keeping Client Data Secured
First, we use something called multi-tenant architecture to store customer data. This sounds technical, but it simply means that each client’s data is kept separate from everyone else’s. On top of that, all data is encrypted (locked with a special digital key) and given its own unique encryption code. This approach helps ensure that only the right people can access your information.
When data is being sent between systems—whether that’s a file upload or a login—we make sure it’s protected by the latest encryption technology, called Transport-Layer Security (TLS 1.2+). This is like sending your information through a secure tunnel, keeping it safe from prying eyes during the transfer.
We don’t stop there. We also regularly test our systems to identify and fix any potential weaknesses. This includes vulnerability and penetration testing on all LTI devices, apps, and websites. Our testing is like a “fire drill” for security, ensuring we’re always ready to protect your data.
Protecting Children’s Information Online: COPPA Certification
For tests like AAPPL and ALIRA, which are designed for K12 students, we go the extra mile. Not only are these test portals and related websites COPPA-compliant (meaning they meet legal requirements to protect children’s privacy online), but they’re also COPPA-certified. This certification means we’ve been independently reviewed to ensure we’re upholding the highest standards for children’s privacy.
In 2022, both the AAPPL and ALIRA test portals and websites were awarded PRIVO’s COPPA Safe Harbor Seal for meeting the highest standards for protecting children’s privacy. LTI takes children’s data security seriously and follows stringent protocols to ensure your learners’ privacy is protected according to federal requirements. “In addition to bi-annual assessments, PRIVO conducts compliance monitoring on a regular basis. The PRIVO Kids Privacy Assured COPPA Safe Harbor Certification Program is approved by the Federal Trade Commission as an authorized safe harbor under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)” (https://cert.privo.com/#/companies/languageTestingInternational).
Read more: What COPPA Certification Means for Schools, Teachers, and Learners
Everyone Plays a Role in Keeping Data Secure
Finally, our employees play a key role in keeping LTI secure. Every team member participates in regular information security training to stay sharp. We also run phishing tests to help staff recognize suspicious emails, so they’re prepared to prevent any real-world attacks.
“Security is always our top priority at LTI. We take a comprehensive approach to protect our clients’ data—from secure storage and encrypted transfers to ongoing system testing and employee training,” says Adam Ganser, Director of IT at LTI. “Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind, knowing their information is safe with us.”
At LTI, we are proud of our ongoing commitment to cybersecurity, ensuring a secure experience for both our clients and our team members.
With LTI, you can rest assured that your testing experience will be safe and secure. If you would like to bring the official ACTFL assessments to your program or company, contact us at sales@languagetesting.com.
